The Meaning Behind Foo Fighter Lyrics

On April 12th the Foo Fighters debuted a new Album called "Wasting Light".  I heard the album on their website, and it is phenomenal! 

I listen to their music first and foremost because of the harmonies, and the rock beat, but then I started paying attention to lyrics.  Dave Grohl, lead singer of the Foo Fighters and former drummer for the band Nirvana has dealt with losing a friend in Kurt Cobain.  Dave's experience with death, in my opinion, has motivated the lyrics.  Many Foo Fighter lyrics are written by Grohl and hint about the trials and joys of life.  One song in particular - "The Pretender" has haunting lyrics that deal with the fatality of life.

But here's the surprise - the lyrics seem to be in sync with some of the messages I try to portray on this blog.  That tomorrow isn't promised, to not wait to be the person you truly are.

Here's a sample of the lyrics from "The Pretender"

In time or so I'm told
I'm just another soul for sale, oh well
The page is out of print, we are not permanent
We're temporary, temporary
Same old story

What if I say I'm not like the others?
What if I say I'm not just another one of your plays?
You're the pretender
What if I say that I'll never surrender? 

I'm the voice inside your head you refuse to hear
I'm the face that you have to face, mirrorin' your stare
I'm what's left, I'm what's right, I'm the enemy
I'm the hand that'll take you down, bring you to your knees
So who are you? Yeah, who are you?
Yeah, who are you? Yeah, who are you?

My interpretation of the Pretender message - We try to be what society tells us to be, and we pretend to be someone we're not.  But deep down you know you're not happy being someone you're not, and you and you alone are the enemy if things don't change.  So who are you and what do you want to do about it?  Better hurry, you might not have much time left.



Want to listen to the new album?  Check it out here